By Saj Chowdhury

Holt won the last meeting with O'Sullivan

Michael Holt does not believe Ronnie O'Sullivan is suffering from a slump in form despite having not won a ranking event in two years.

Holt is set to meet the two-time world champion and former number one on Sunday in the first round of the UK Championship in Telford.

"He won the Premier League recently and the Masters last season," the 29-year-old told BBC Sport.

"He'll win a ranking event again, although I hope it's not next week."

O'Sullivan is currently second in the provisional rankings having started the season in fifth.

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The 32-year-old reached the final of the Grand Prix, where he was beaten by Marco Fu, and the last eight of the Northern Ireland Trophy.

"I'm looking forward to playing him," said the Nottingham potter, who beat The Rocket in the last 16 of the Malta Cup during the 2006/2007 campaign.

"I've played Ronnie about four or five times and come out on top just the once - but that was the last time we met."

He added: "He's a genius. When Ronnie's playing well all of the players watch him and say 'wow'. Obviously, he does get beaten, so you have to make sure you stick in there and take your chances against him."

I'm more concerned about winning ranking events Michael Holt

Holt is currently 31st in the provisional rankings having had a relatively quiet season up until now.

"My target this campaign was to get into the top 16, which is still achievable," he said.

"There are few of us are bunched up behind the current number 16 Joe Perry and it's quite tight.

"But I'm more concerned about winning ranking events - if that results in me making it into the elite group, so be it."

Holt, who has grafted outside the top 16 during his career, is optimistic about the future of the sport.

"There are regular tournaments in China now because snooker is massive over there," he said.

"There is a lot of talent coming through from that part of the world which has and will result in more investment and sponsorship.

"That's great for the sport as a whole and also helps put money in the pockets of players like me."

The Maplin UK Championship takes place from 8-16 December at the International Centre in Telford.